(Ahlan bikum fi lubnan)
This is perhaps the most common thing you hear when you arrive in Lebanon and during your stay.
But, what does it really mean, and what could a first time visitor expect to experience when arriving and staying in Lebanon?
The more you experience the country, culture, infrastructure, politics and daily life you realise that the phrase “Welcome to Lebanon” is used in 3 senses:
-
- Most commonly, as a true reflection of a kind sentiment from Lebanese locals when meeting / greeting a non Lebanese visitor
But it can also be heard
-
- To reflect the uniqueness and pride of something positive that only happens in Lebanon
-
- To reflect, rather sarcastically, that something negative could only be found in Lebanon and nowhere else
I aim to share a wealth of experiences from visiting and staying in Lebanon for multiple and extended periods of time.
This will not be a 100% factually correct travel guide or governmental advice site, but rather a personal and honest stream of stories and experiences collected from my visits and stays in Lebanon.
You may visit, do the same things as I and receive a different experience. That is true of all life experiences, as they are often shaped by context and our personal reactions
However, as you follow my posts and experiences, you will begin to truly learn about Lebanese culture, history and future
Kifak Liban?
How are you Lebanon?